Fentanyl is extremely potent. It is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Illicit fentanyl can be added to other drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and cocaine to make them cheaper, more powerful and more addictive. Fentanyl mixed with any drug increases the likely hood of fatal overdose. (Sourced from the CDC)
Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Recognizing the signs of overdose, access and administration of life-saving Naloxone and understanding your rights to intervene care are crucial steps to reducing this crisis situation.
Drug addiction is a disease. And often times the road to recovery can be long and arduous. Harm reduction tools and resources go a long way in helping individuals impacted by drug abuse survive and continue on the path forward. Fentanyl test strips are a low cost-method of helping prevent drug overdoses by detecting the presence of fentanyl in different kinds of drugs. Naloxone can be a life-saving antidote to fentanyl exposure.
Tools for those close to have impactful conversations.
Clear, honest and open conversation are key for having non-judgmental and impactful conversations about drug use. Good communication can pave a path for safety, harm reduction and recovery. Non-judgmental conversations are also foundational in preemptive efforts to curb drug abuse among young people and vulnerable, at-risk populations.
Share resources for local audiences about treatment and recovery programs and resources.
From finding treatment options to navigating recovery, the fight to ending overdose starts with education, support and the right resources.
“In Illinois, more than 3,000 people died of overdoses in 2021. Beyond these deaths are thousands of non-fatal overdoses resulting in emergency department visits, hospital stays, as well as the pain suffered by individuals, families, and communities. The opioid epidemic is one of the most significant public health and public safety crises facing Illinois.” (Illinois Department of Public Health)
There is power in numbers. These staggering statistics reflect the detrimental impact opioids have on our community. But when that community fights back with their support, we can aspire to a future that honors the legacy of those lost to overdose, and ends the trajectory of this raging crisis.
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